Bauwens Branson Bonanza

What better way to celebrate Grandma Norma's 70th birthday than being in Branson, MO. This trip was special for a couple of reasons; 1. it was Grandma's birthday trip, and 2. it's a rare occasion that the Bauwens family all gathers for a vacation.

Tim, Ella and I eased into vacation by spending a day at Tablerock at the Rohatsch's. Joining us, the Gang II. Blake, Shelby and Lindsey had a blast jumping off of the boat dock and tubing. (I was reminded that tubing isn't for those in their 30s, as I woke with a stiff neck and sore arms.)

After Tablerock, we drove a short distance to Branson where 18 of the Bauwens members gathered for 4 days/3 nights. We stayed at the Wyndham Mountain Vista resort, where we spent many hours poolside, playing ping pong & shuffleboard, and lounging in others' room suites. We all attended Dixie Stampede for family night out on the town. It was surprisingly a more entertaining show than we expected. The adults and kids were stomping, cheering and having a good time cheering on the Yankees while eating dinner with their hands. Other things that kept us busy during our stay were being tourists on the main street, going to the Maze of Mirrors (which was admittedly a bit more difficult than I expected), stopping at souveneir stores, and shopping at the Outlet mall.

The trip was such a success that we're already talking about travel plans for next year!

-Stef